BTEC Nationals Health and Social Care (AAQ) - Level 3
Overview
High demand, limited places - Apply now for September 2025!
With record-breaking applications in recent years, many courses for September 2024 were already full by spring time. Due to an increasing number of school leavers in our local area, the same high demand is expected for September 2025.
Apply early to secure your place and avoid disappointment!
This qualification allows learners to engage in a broad investigation of various aspects of the health and social care sector. Whilst it has a strongly contextualised approach to learning, and explores a wide range of possible careers in the sector, it is primarily intended for students who wish to progress into higher education (either at university or through a higher-level apprenticeship) as a pathway to employment.
What does it combine with?
What will I study?
- Human lifespan and development – PIES and factors affecting growth and development, interventions and the different professionals providing care and treatment.
- Human biology and health – Human body structure and systems, normal physiological functioning and the impact of common disorders.
- Health and social care practice – Core principles, values and legislation that underpin and influence health and social care, and the effect of social determinants on an individual health status.
- Health, social policy and wellbeing – Public health policy and its influences, including health-related organisations/groups and a range of strategic factors.
Entry requirements
- Maths-based GCSE subject grade 4-9
- Four GCSEs grade 4-9 including GCSE English Language.
Study programmes - essential skills for employment
If you’re aged 16-18 (or 19-25 with an EHC Plan), we want to make sure you have the best possible chances of landing an awesome job once you finish college.
Therefore, if you do not have GCSE grade 4-9 in either English Language or Maths, you will study one or both of these courses alongside your full-time study programme. If you do have GCSE grade 4-9 in English Language and Maths then you will not be required to undertake these subjects. By doing so, you'll be building a stronger set of skills that will significantly boost your employability in the future.
Think of it as a chance to supercharge your knowledge and abilities. You'll be equipped with the tools necessary to tackle the world beyond college with confidence. Plus, we'll be right here to support you every step of the way.
How long is the course?
Two years.
How will I be assessed?
There are two externally examined units and two internally assessed units. The internally assessed units give students the opportunity to engage in applied knowledge and understanding tasks to develop their health and social care knowledge.
What does the course lead to?
Students often go on to pursue careers in fields such as
- Nursing
- Dental professions
- Ambulance Service
- Midwifery
- Primary Care
- Psychological professions.
What can I progress onto?
The course is designed for students with an interest in health and social care and aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate level employment. Typical next steps are degree courses or higher-level apprenticeships in fields such as
- Health and Social Care
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Healthcare Science
- Paramedicine.